We were also glad to sample a slew of noteworthy local brews: GREY SAIL joined the tallboy ranks with its LEANING CHIMNEY PORTER, a smoky and savory seasonal standout; and REVIVAL's DOUBLE BLACK IPAfinally hit stores. We ran a photo of the DBIPA label in the second installment of this column waaay back in August 2011, made it our local go-to on tap in '12, and were thrilled to finally touch it on a few 12-ounce bottles when we got a case of the rich, hoppy black gold a few days before Santa shimmied down the chimney. And it's right up there with Self-Righteous, Wookey, and Dubhe.

But that's not all: the two Pawtucket-based beerists, FOOLPROOF and the BUCKET BREWERY, started sharing their fare on tap at finer beer bars statewide: Julian's, Track 84, English Cellar Alehouse, Doherty's, What Cheer, and more. Check foolproofbrewing.com (which offers tours/tastings on Friday at 4 and 5 pm and on Saturday at 12, 1, 2, and 3 pm — $10 for generous pours and a take-home pint glass) and bucketbrewery.com for availability updates.

And make plans to head to the Bucket on Saturday, February 2 for the first RHODE ISLAND BREW FEST. The lineup is ultra-local, showcasing more than 100 styles of beers from the Ocean State (Narragansett, Trinity, Revival, Ravenous, Foolproof, Bucket, Grey Sail, Newport Storm, Union Station, and Whaler's Brewing Company from Wakefield), Massachusetts (Berkshire, Cody, Cape Ann, Element, Just Beer, Rapscallion), Vermont (Long Trail, Otter Creek, the Shed), New Hampshire (Woodstock), and Maine (Kennebec River), plus some ringers from Brooklyn (Sixpoint), Kentucky (Bourbon Barrel Ale), Seattle/Portland/Berkeley (Pyramid), and California (Lagunitas). This is a superb addition to the Rhode Island beer calendar.

Sessions are from 1-4 and 5-8 pm at the Pawtucket Armory, 172 Exchange St; tix are $45 in advance, $55 at the door ($15/$20 for designated drivers; all purchases get a commemorative pint glass). Hit ribrewfest.com for updates.